Was it the pair of great blue herons perched in Ponderosa pine trees, eyeing a small pond in reedy marsh? Half a dozen male American robins crossing our path? The spotted towhee grubbing through mucky underbrush “just like the bird book says!”

It could have been the rich aromas of wild honeysuckle, apple blossom and smells-like-desert-after-rain creosote. Dramatic vistas of layered limestone representing millions of years certainly added to the day.

For your magical day, follow me and Lincoln County Bird Club (LCBC) on a recent field trip to the Mescalero Tribal Fish Hatchery and Oliver Lee Memorial State Park south of Alamogordo.

(Photo: Courtesy/Yvonne Lanelli)

The Fish Hatchery’s riparian trail meanders along a quiet stream bed beneath willow, cottonwoods, apple and crabapple trees that shelter pine siskins, Northern flickers, redwing blackbirds, Western bluebirds and broadtail hummingbirds. Wild asparagus grows along the stream bed and a light phase redtail hawk soars above. Mourning doves, white-winged doves and Eurasian collared doves coo distinctively as the bells of Saint Joseph’s Mission chime the hour. Pause at any of several lookouts along the trail to enjoy the waterfowl, including mallards. My magical moment? First sighting of a violet-green swallow.

The riparian trail is open to the public at no charge. Take US 70 to Mescalero, exit at Saint Joseph’s Mission, go under the overpass to the stop sign, turn left. Turn at the next right into the parking area.

We’ve arrived at Oliver Lee around 11 a.m. and spend much time in the cool visitor center admiring its geologic, wildlife and historical displays. By the time we enter the nature trail, the sun is high overhead and many birds have sought shelter from the heat. Nevertheless, we hear ravens and see house finches, Cassin’s finch and a male black-chinned hummingbird displaying for the female. Three greater Southwestern earless lizards sun themselves on large rocks, scattering as we approach to image them. The trail passes under remnants of Lee’s irrigation system, crosses “Frenchie” Rochas’s handmade rock wall and leads to ruins of his adobe abode.

(Photo: Courtesy/Yvonne Lanelli)

We finish at the Chihuahuan Desert Garden, a project of the New Mexico and Otero County Native Plant Societies. An about-to-bloom century plant intrigues us, and the numerous blooming cacti beg to be imaged.

From Mescalero, it’s about 45 minutes to Oliver Lee Memorial State Park on Dog Canyon Road. Take US 70 west and 54 south. Dog Canyon Road turn-off is about 12 miles south of Alamo. Turn left and follow Dog Canyon Road to the end. Admission is $5 per vehicle for day use. emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/oliverleestatepark